Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Bean Bread and Bingo Night. June 7 at the Painttown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Doors open at 5 p.m. This is a fundraiser for Jonathan Frady’s Mission Trip to Africa.
Turkey Shoot. June 7 at 3 p.m. at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove). This is a benefit for Big Cove Free Labor. Good fun, great prizes, great benefit.
Bingo Fundraiser. June 13 at the old Painttown Community Building in Cherokee, N.C. Doors open at 5 p.m., main pack starts at 6 p.m. All proceeds go to Zoey Sutton for softball-related travel.
Bingo Fundraiser. June 14 at the Big Y Gym at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Concession opens at 4 p.m. Games start at 6 p.m. 15 games, $15 per pack, five kid games. All proceeds will go to the Big Y Free Labor Group.
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. July 12 starting from 7923 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Registration at 9 a.m., KSU at 12 p.m. $25 per rider, $30 with passenger. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Safety Program. Info: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989
Cherokee Children’s Home Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Aug. 14-15 at the Sequoyah National Golf Course in Cherokee, N.C. This is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Children’s Home. $350 per golfer includes cart and green fees. Two-person teams, lunch provided each day. Tee times will be scheduled for each team by the Clubhouse. Call the course in advance to request a specific tee time at (828) 497-3000. Info: (828) 359-5575, cchevents@cherokeeboysclub.com
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Annual Kituwah Celebration. June 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kituwah site.
Christian Veterinary Mission Clinic. June 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Services and fees: Neuter/dog $30, Neuter/cat $25, Spay for both dog and cat $50, Vacinnes – $10 per animal (rabies and distemper). Info: Tammy Jackson (828) 788-0878 or Tribal Animal Control 497-6091
Vacation Bible School. June 9-12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Straight Fork Baptist Church in Cherokee, N.C. Fun, games, food, and fellowship. Everyone is invited.
14th Annual Smoky Mountain Gospel Singing. June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center at 1416 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Free admission. Featured groups include: Recognize (Tenn.), Going Higher (Ga.), Lail Family (N.C.), Snowbird Boys (N.C.), Williams Family (N.C.), Zena and Melvin Wolfe (N.C.), Hornbuckle Family (N.C.), Yellowhill Choir (N.C.), Welch Family (N.C.), and others. Info: David Smoker (828) 788-0914 or Lane Smoker 735-0171
Birdtown Genealogy Workshop with Robin Swayney. June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Birdtown Community Club in Cherokee, N.C. Learn to trace your family’s genealogy in a free workshop led by Museum of the Cherokee People Genealogist Robin Swayney.
Books on the Boundary: “The Art Thieves”. June 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Store in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People’s book club meets to discuss “The Art Thieves” by Andrea L. Rogers (Cherokee Nation). The author will join the meeting for a virtual Q&A. Free and open to all.
End-of-School Summer Bash. June 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Little Snowbird Playground in Robbinsville, N.C. Activities: cornhole, water balloon toss, volleyball, inflatables, vendors, and more. Double OO Farms will have several animals on hand. Bring your law chair. In the event of bad weather, the party will be moved to the Jacob Cornsilk Complex at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. Info: Jenny Bean (828) 359-6149 or Melody Turner 359-1506
Anetso (stickball) Exhibition Game – Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) vs Walelu (Hummingbirds). June 28 at 12 p.m. at the Unity Field in Cherokee, N.C.
NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space is available for $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Lands Acquisition Committee. June 9 at 1 p.m.
HIP Committee. June 11 at 8:30 a.m.
Lands Committee. June 12 at 9 a.m.
Parks & Rec. Committee. June 12 at 1 p.m.
Roads Commission. June 16 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. June 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. June 16 at 1 p.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Summer Basketball Clinic. June 2 through July 30 (Mondays and Wednesdays) at the Painttown Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Girls will be 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Boys will be 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 5-12. Info: Call or text (828) 736-5586
Breakaway Sports Cherokee Sports Camp (Baseball 5, Kickball, and Ultimate Frisbee). June 9-11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donald “Kool-Aid” Queen Gym in Cherokee, N.C. In partnership with Cherokee Baptist Church, daily Bible devotions and snacks are included. Info: Call or text (423) 933-6986
Lacrosse Camps. June 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Kool Aid Queen Gym in Cherokee, N.C.; June 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the P&J Fields in Tutiyi (Snowbird). Equipment will be provided. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Attend one camp or all three. Info: (828) 359-6890
Blood Drive. June 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Wolftown Community Center at 12 Burgess Dr. in Cherokee, N.C. To make an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code “Wolftown”. Bring your Red Cross Donor Card or Photo ID.
POW WOW LISTINGS
Alabama Coushatta 55th Annual Pow Wow. June 6-7 at the Veteran’s Pavilion in Livingston, Texas. MC: Marty Thurman. Host Northern Drum: Hochunk Station. Host Southern Drum: Iron Bow. Info: Delvin Johnson (936) 252-1784, delvin.johnson@actribe.org
Lead by Example Pow Wow. June 6-8 at Strathmore & District Agricultural Grounds in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada. Emcees: Donnie Speidal, Kent Ayoungman, Jackson Tahuka. Host Drum: Young Spirit. Info: Melodie Hunt at info@leadbyexamplepowwow.ca
Echoes of the Mountain Social Pow Wow. June 7 at the Northern Arizona University Fieldhouse in Flagstaff, Ariz. MC: Trevor Foster. Host Northern Drum: Bearspring. Host Southern Drum: Strictly Southern. Info: Emerald Arnold at powwowjamclub@nau.edu
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan Honoring Saganing Traditional Pow Wow. June 14-15 at the Saganing Eagles Landing RV Park in Standish, Mich. Info: Darcy Pilar (989) 775-5600, powwowcommittee@sagchip.org
Department of Youth Contest Pow Wow. June 14 at the Pow Wow Grounds in Dulce, N.M. MC: Steve Toya Sr. Host Northern Drum: Daanzho Singers. Host Southern Drum: Southern Medicine. Info: Carleen Vigil at doycontestpowwow25@gmail.com
25th Annual San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians Intertribal Pow Wow. June 14-15 at the Old Mission San Luis Rey Grounds in Oceanside, Calif. Info: David Herrara (760) 497-3638, david@slrmissionindians.org
Williams Lake First Nation’s Annual Father’s Day Traditional Pow Wow. June 13-15 at Chief William Pow Wow Arbor in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Info: https://www.wlfn.ca/event/2025-fathers-day-traditional-pow-wow/
47th Annual Cansayapi Wacipi. June 13-15 at the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Morton, Minn. MC: Al Childs. Info: Joey O’Brien (507) 430-2394, joey.obrien.lsic@gmail.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
Cherokee Culture Series at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva, N.C. Info: Laura Chapman at lchapman@fontanalib.org
- Cherokee Cornhusk Doll Making with Laura Walkingstick. June 7 at 10 a.m. in the Atrium. This class is limited to the first 10 participants who sign up.
- Cherokee Storytelling with Nancy Pheasant. June 10 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
- Cherokee Music & Dance with Jarrett Wildcatt. June 17 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
- Traditional Cherokee Cuisine with Amy and John Postoak. June 26 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
Tennessee Statehood Day. June 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Demonstrations of the 1809 blacksmith shop, 1933 Otis Tufts Acorn Gap printing press, and an 1800s Dog-trot log cabin. All Statehood Day activities are free as well as free Museum admission. Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246
Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting. June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Dr. in Bryson City, N.C. Henny Ransdell will present “A Most Special Place: The North Shore, Then and Now”. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public.
Uncle Bill’s Flea Market Car and Truck Show. June 7 at 10 a.m. at the Flea Market at 5427 US Hwy 74W in Whittier, N.C. All years, makes, and models are welcome. Food, shopping, raffle, trophies, and a 50/50. Info: Denise (828) 500-1317
Book signing with herbalist Patricia Howell. June 7 at 3 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, N.C. She will be signing her book “Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians”. Info: (828) 586-9499
A reading of “Stronger than the Storm: Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina”. June 7 at 5 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, N.C. The reading will included editor Shelley McKechnie and Brian Railsback. Info: (828) 586-9499
Jesse Lege Cajun Trio concert. June 9 at 7 p.m. at the John C. Campbell Folk School at 1 Folk School Rd. in Brasstown, N.C. Info: (828) 837-2775, www.folkschool.org
Shape-note singing performance. June 11 at 5 p.m. at the John C. Campbell Folk School at 1 Folk School Rd. in Brasstown, N.C. Info: (828) 837-2775, www.folkschool.org
Tessa Fontaine will share novel “The Red Grove”. June 12 at 6 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, N.C. Info: (828) 586-9499
Poetry Sharing. June 14 at 3 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, N.C. Elizabeth and Quintin Ellison will share their poetry and photography book created with the late George Ellison, “Land of Blue Shadows: Mountain Life in Verse & View”. Info: (828) 586-9499
Little Middle Folk School. June 15-21 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C. The school opens its doors to young folks ages 7–17 for Little Middle Folk School, a lively weeklong session for children and youth to discover Appalachian culture and to take part in hands-on programs in dozens of arts and crafts. Participants are divided into two groups. “Littles” are rising second graders to rising sixth graders, and “Middles” are rising seventh graders to rising 12th graders. This year, several scholarship slots are available for Middles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: https://folkschool.org/events/little-middle
Vacation Bible School. June 16-18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. nightly at Waterfalls Baptist Church at 82 Waterfalls Baptist Church in Whittier, N.C. Info: Jamie Brown (828) 269-8400
Brenna MacMillan concert. June 16 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, N.C. MacMillan is a talented banjo player who has been picking since she was 9-years-old and now performs with her brother in The Theo & Brenna Band which has released two albums.
Book Sharing. June 18 at 6 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, N.C. Nancy East will share her new book, “Historic Hikes in Western North Carolina”. Travel back in time on more than thirty thoughtfully curated hiking routes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, chosen for their rich natural and human history as well as their beauty. Info: (828) 586-9499
J.A.M. Live 4th of July Independence Day Concert. July 4 at 12 p.m. the Smoky Mountain Campground at 1840 W. Deep Creek Rd. in Bryson City, N.C. Info: https://smokymtncampground.com
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. “This is a day to remember the man who gave the Cherokee people their own written language,” said Charlie Rhodarmer, Museum manager/director. “In 5,000 years of human civilization, Sequoyah is the only person, not literate in any language, who created a written language for his people.” Free admission to the Museum. Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246
Cherokee Fall Festival. Sept. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance; blacksmith demonstrations; special entertainment; and more. Tickets: Adults – $10, Children 13-18 – $5, Children 12 and under are free. Family rate is $25 (two adults and two children 13-18). Info: Museum at (423) 884-6246